Waipukubatj. — It will be seen from our advertising columns, that Mr. Peters very spiritedly announces his intention of running his 3-horse coach right through to Waipukurau, at a very moderate charge indeed. This is truly a step in advance. . Attempt at Rape. — Yesterday, a native named Wikia was brought to town in custody of the police, charged with an attempt at this ofience upon the person of Mrs.. Collison, residing at Havelock. There are circumstances connected with the assault which give it a very brutal character. Fire at Havelock. —On Thursday morning, at an early hour, the Exchange Hotel at Havelock, well known as kept by Mr. Reynolds, was wholly destroyed by fire. Such particulars as are known will be found detailed in the evidence taken at the inquest, as reported in another column. Boiling Down. — At a special meetings of the shareholders of the Hawke's Bay Boiling Down Company, held in the Council Chamber on the Ist inst., the following gentlemen were present: — Messrs. Ormond, Rhodes, F. Nelson, J. N. Williams,. Wilkinson, Peacock, Brown, Watt, Richardson and A'Deane (Chairman.) The ; business of the meeting was to take into consideration the plans and estimates of steam plant, received from Melbourne, and the following resolutions were passed unanimously : — l. Proposed by Mr. Rhodes, seconded by Mr. Ormond — "That the offer of the Langlands Foundry Co., for plant to boil down 2500 sheep per week at a cost of £225, be accepted, and that the order be forwarded immediately. 2. Proposed by Mr. Watt, seconded by Mr. Peacock — " That an immediate call of £l per share be made and notice given of a final call of £3 on Ist January next."— The plant may thus be looked for in Napier by the steamer of 19fch November, by which time the necessary buildings will be ready for its reception, and we may expect to see the company at work by the middle of the following month, the earliest date at which fat sheep will be coming forward in ' any numbers.